Alba Restaurante Español

Make it Spanish. Make it Alba.

Bienvenidos!

Welcome to the Home of Traditional Spanish Cooking™ in Manila since 1952!

For six decades, Alba Restaurante Español has been the Philippines’ home of traditional Spanish cooking, satisfying generations of discerning food lovers enamored by the enticing flavors of Castilian cuisine. The restaurant was founded by Señor Anastacio de Alba who is an origin of Avila, Spain.

He is the man behind the famous Spanish restaurants, Patio de Alba, La Mancha, and Casa Colas. Señor Alba has indeed proven his culinary craft and artistry to many families in the country.

Alba continues to offer, not only its well-loved dishes, but a cherished tradition as well, the restaurant being an icon in the local dining scene. Señor Alba, together with son Chef Miguel are the culinary masters behind Alba. The father-and-son team’s culinary passion is reflected in the taste and flavors of cuisine that has been perfected through the years.

The ambiance of the restaurants showcases Spanish influences with some modern accents for a more contemporary yet cozy feel. There are charming Spanish lamps, decorative plates and striking murals of scenes of Barcelona, the stone wall is reminiscent of Avila while the ceiling in one of its branches is painted with spirited flamenco dancers. Modish drop lights that illuminate the booths give off a more upbeat vibe. Outdoor seating is available in Westgate and Tomas Morato branches for those who wish to dine al fresco.

The cuisine is uniquely Alba’s. Top on the list is the much-sought-after paella, which has found its way from Valencia, Spain to the kitchens all over the globe, including Alba’s, thanks in no small measure to Don Alba who popularized this one-pot dish in our local shores. There are 18 different paella varieties at Alba’s, considered the widest array in town. From the classic Valenciana to new flavors such as Verde for vegetarians and practically everything else in between (Negra, Filipino, de Pato, Pollo Finas Hierbas, de Verduras, de Gambas, Arroz a la Regencia, de Cordero, Marinera, de Bacalao, de Langostinos, de Cangrejo, Tuhod y Batoc, Setas y Pesto, and Fideua). Other favorites are Spanish mainstays such as Callos, Lengua, Cochinillo, and a wide assortment of Spanish entrees and desserts that guests can feast on.

A visit to Alba’s is not complete without partaking of cold and hot tapas, bite-size appetizers that are big on flavor. There are about 55 choices available headlined by chorizos, Alcachofas con Jamon, Gambas al Ajillo, Champignon a la Plancha, Tabla de Embutidos, with slices of Pamplona, mortadela and salchichon, Aceitunas con Anchoa, Sardinas Picantes, Mahi Mahi Frescas, Tortillas, Pa amb tomaquet, and Coca Majorca among others.

A celebration of life, a feast of flavors and a restaurant steeped in tradition for 60 years – these are more than enough reasons to visit Alba and enjoy a memorable meal.

Reviews

“Among the many Spanish restaurants in Manila, probably no other can clay claim to having the longest staying power than ALBA. The man behind it is Anastacio de Alba, a native of Avila in Spain, who first set food on this shore on February 7, 1952. For an individual like him, who has been cooking for a period of almost 40 years, one can easily assume that the man has a love of his craft.”

“One man alone is responsible for the Spanish food tradition in the Philippine public food eating and he is Anastacio de Alba. He enriched the restaurant scenes with his homemade chorizos, morcillas, Jamon Serrano, and many others.”

“There's no formula to the best paella. It is having the perfect timing, the correct taste, the right feel for the seasonings and especially the broth, the good eye and sense to check on the arroz. He makes those paellas "we die for" because he's been making them since we were just kids. Time has seasoned and spiced up his paellas, just like it has done to him. No question about it. Don Alba is the best paella chef in the country --Padre de Paellas Pilipinas!”